On Wednesday, November 27, Pope Benedict XVI called for increased efforts to stop the spread of HIV and said that he felt “spiritually close” to people suffering from AIDS (ap.google.com, 11/29).
“I am asking all people of goodwill to multiply efforts to stop the spread of the HIV virus, to oppose the scorn that often strikes those affected and to take care of the sick, especially the children,” he said.
Benedict made this statement to his weekly public audience while speaking about the upcoming World AIDS Day, December 1.
“I am spiritually close to those who suffer as a result of this terrible illness as well as to their families, in particular those struck by the loss of a close relative,” the pontiff said. “I assure my prayers for all.”
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comments 1 - 5 (of 5 total)
Kirk, , 2007-12-05 00:24:06
Yea Right! This is the man who leads one of the biggest religious orginazations in the world, which preaches that the use of condoms is a sin. The Pope and his church need to "get real".
valerie, sarasota,fl, 2007-12-04 16:18:40
Awww...how sweet...AND HYPOCRITOCAL!!!!!! The Catholic Church will not even approve condom use in sero-discordant couples...or approve of education for teens except Abstinence Only...how then can they "encourage efforts to stop the spread of HIV"???
Bruce Soskind, Brooklyn, NY, 2007-12-04 14:08:20
I just wish that Pope Benedict had not singled out children affected by HIV/AIDS. It is my wish that there will come a time when all of us that are infected with HIV/AIDS will be considered innocents and not just the children.
tigerman, , 2007-12-04 13:01:52
Who in the hell is the Pope kidding? The hardline ostricism of gays that is a HUGE component of his belief system helps drive people into the closet and NOT discuss AIDS, etc. He has not done one substantial thing to fight AIDS and is an impediment to effective discussions about homosexuality, drug use, etc. that could help. And, I am so glad he especially feels sorry for the children also known as code language for "it wasn't their fault" unlike the gays and druggies. Puh-leez, Benedict.
guadalupano, , 2007-12-02 19:46:15
That's all great and dandy but what about the Church's position on condoms and homosexuality?
Beth Benne, RN, is HIV negative, but
the virus has impacted her life. She currently supervises a biannual HIV/AIDS awareness week as
the director of the student health center at Pierce College, a
community commuter school in Woodland Hills, California.
Woman of the Month is supported by exclusive advertising from Gilead.
Overheard in the Women's Forum
"I recently met a guy who is negative. I did tell him about my status and he decided to kiss me anyway (we didn't go further than that). But a day later, he called and said that he actually had a mouth ulcer that time when we kissed and he was very worried. Asked if he can get the virus from me that way. For that moment, I felt so insulted and yet I felt so bad. It was my first time having a contact with a "negative" guy."
